〔松子〕润肠开胃，悦肌肤，散风止嗽，治大便虚闭。
〔槟榔〕尖长如鸡心者，苦辛温，能破滞散邪，泻胸中至高之气，使之下行，攻坚去
积，消食行痰，逐水杀虫，堕诸气至于下极。气虚下陷者，所当远避。虽能辟瘴，耗损真气
，多食少寿。更有花纹者，只可行滞消食。（阴囊生虱，煎汤洗之即除。）
〔大腹皮〕辛温，泄肺运脾，宽胸利水，为诸腹肿胀之首。惟鸩鸟多栖其树，故须泡
用。
〔川椒〕热，有毒，入肺，发汗散寒；入脾，暖胃燥湿。治心腹冷痛，肾寒水肿。若
阴虚火旺者大忌。微炒去汗。椒目苦辛，行水消水蛊，除胀定喘。秦椒（俗名花椒）主治与川
椒相同。
〔胡椒〕辛，大热有毒，温中下气，快膈消痰，治寒痰冷痢，阴毒腹痛。胡椒走气助
火，最能损肺，莫以其快膈而嗜之。
〔吴茱萸〕辛苦大热，有小毒，疏肝燥脾，温中下气，除湿解郁，治厥阴腹痛，呕逆
吞酸，善能降浊阴上僭，利大肠壅气，病非寒滞有湿者勿用。滚汤泡，去辛烈，止呕黄连水
炒，治血醋炒。
〔茶〕甘苦微寒，上清头目，醒昏睡，消油腻，解肉毒。
〔瓜蒂〕苦寒，能吐阳明风热，痰涎上膈宿食。（瓜蒂散加淡豉、赤小豆同为末，开水
调服取水调。）
〔西瓜〕甘寒，解暑毒，除烦清热。翠衣入心包络，退热凉心，清暑之品。
〔蔗浆〕甘微寒，和中润燥，治呕哕噎膈翻胃，（和姜汁服。）大便燥结，取浆须备器
柞之。
〔莲子〕象心，宁心益脾，与龙眼肉煮汤，长服大益心脾；痢之重者，以此调治，无
损有益，故东垣母高年病痢，首用此味也。去心炒，莲须涩精固胎。
〔石莲子〕苦寒，清心除烦，去湿热，专治噤口痢。
〔藕〕甘寒，凉血散瘀，节，功用相同。
〔荷叶〕色青而仰，象震，升发阳气，凡肝经病，用此引经甚妙。
〔芡实〕扶脾益肾，性涩，精不禁者宜之。
〔韭〕辛温补肾，暖腰膝，散瘀血，治噎膈翻胃，多食神昏目暗，忌蜜。韭子辛温补
肾，助命门，故五子衍宗丸用之，蒸晒炒研。
〔葱白〕辛散，发汗解肌，通阳气，多食神昏。青葱管同红花、杏仁，能入络，治肋
痛。
〔薤白〕辛温而滑，下气调中，治胸痹刺痛，肺气喘急。滑利之品，无滞勿用。
〔大蒜〕辛热有毒，开胃健脾，消食去寒滞，利小便，消水肿，其气钻筋入髓，与麝
脐同功。生痰助火，散气耗血，昏神损目，虚热之人，切勿沾唇。独头者切片灼艾，治一切
痈疽恶疮妙。
〔白芥子〕辛温入肺，能发汗散寒，祛皮里膜外之痰，消肿止痛。芥菜辛热，多食昏
目发疮。
〔莱菔子〕辛温，长于利气，生用豁风痰，散风寒；炒熟定痰嗽，消食除膨。肺虚者
勿服。莱菔生食升气；熟食降气。制面毒。
〔生姜〕辛温行阳分，祛寒发表，宣肺解郁，和胃止呕。姜皮辛凉行水，故五皮饮用
之。煨姜与大枣并用，行脾胃之津液，和营卫之气。
〔干姜〕辛热，能温经散寒邪。客寒犯胃作痛，厥阴浊阴上僭，必用之品。同五味子
治寒嗽，通关节，宣脉络，为用甚广。
〔炮姜〕辛苦大热，能使阳生阴退。故吐衄下血，有阴无阳者宜之。亦能引血药入气
分，故入四物汤。血虚发热，产后大热者宜之。即干姜炮黑。阴虚有火者勿服。孕妇尤忌。
〔大茴香〕产宁夏，辛温，暖丹田，补命门，疗小肠冷气。 疝阴肿。（疝有七肿皆属
于肝。）小茴香辛平理气，入肾治腰痛；入肝治腹痛，并疗阴疝。
〔菠菜〕取老菠菜直下根，治老人大便难下最妙。须佐补气养血之药。
〔蒲公英〕苦甘寒，化热毒，消肿核，治乳痈乳积之圣药。
〔山药〕培脾益肾，强骨节。一切滋补药，不能成丸者，用此收之。
〔百合〕象肺，保肺之药，百合固金汤是也。若肺家有邪，疏之不暇，固之岂无害乎？
〔冬瓜子〕肺胀喘急，非此不疗。并消水肿，亦因利肺气也。
〔胡麻〕润肠胃，益五脏。大便滑者忌用。
〔大麻仁〕治阳明燥热便难，走而不守。肠滑者忌。
〔小麦〕凉心止汗，治盗汗。须浮者，炒用。
〔麦芽〕健胃快脾，消积滞，化一切米面食积。尤善通乳。能堕胎，炒用。
〔糯米〕和胃，育阴生津。糯米饮同人乳服，治药伤胃口食入即吐如神。古称贫人无
补，以糯为补。信然。凡麦冬用粳米拌炒，滋肺而不妨脾稷，（俗名珠粟。）小儿切不可食，
坚而难化，胀而壅胃，曾见有失命。为长者预宜禁之。
〔苡仁〕甘益胃，淡渗湿。治水肿泄泻补脾，炒用。利水生用。其力缓，须倍于他味
。
〔罂粟壳〕酸涩，敛肺固肠。治久嗽泻痢脱肛。兜摄太过，故必留邪净尽。庶用少许
，否则大忌。
〔赤小豆〕细而色暗者入药。通小肠，行水散血，消肿解毒排脓。同芙蓉花捣烂，敷
一切疮疽，取效甚速。须出疮顶，腐豆水浸拌捣烂。涂痘疮翻疤，亦有神效。
〔绿豆〕甘寒，清十二经热毒而解渴。凡肌肤热瘰，绿豆皮治之。肉壅气，能缓药力
。煨蚕豆能实大肠。
〔扁豆〕生用清暑，炒用清补脾胃。惟病后煨食，极能滞气，去皮煮至稀烂，少食可
也。
〔淡豆豉〕苦泄肺，寒胜热，发汗解肌。同栀子治懊恼不眠；同苏叶治寒月感冒；同
薄荷、杏仁治暑风身热，无表邪者勿用。
〔神曲〕调中和胃，治痰逆，消积滞。同香附、黑山栀能开郁气。附造曲法。以∶白
曲百斤，青蒿、苍耳、野蓼各取自然汁三升，杏仁泥、赤小豆末各三升，以配六神，通和作
饼，楮叶包 ，待生黄衣，晒干炒。
〔谷芽〕快脾开胃，下气和中，消食化积。生用运化为多；炒用开导为多。味甘气和
，健脾之良药也。
〔饴糖〕（即饧也）和平润肺止嗽，有痰火者忌之。建中汤用之，取其甘缓和平也。
〔酒〕温热经，甘者满中，淡者利小便，用为向导，可以通行一身之表，引药至极高
之分。热饮伤肺；冷冻饮料伤胃；少饮和血壮神，御寒辟邪；过饮乱神耗血，损胃生湿痰，助欲
火，为病百端。无灰酒入药，火酒燥烈尤甚，不可多饮。葛花、绿豆，能解酒毒。
〔金箔〕辛平有毒，镇心肝，安魂魄，治惊痫风热肝胆之病。
〔白石英〕甘辛，微温润燥，治肺痿吐脓，咳逆上气。紫石英性味相同，安心神，暖
子宫，女子血海虚寒不孕者宜之。火 醋淬，研末水飞。
〔朱砂〕甘凉，体阳性阴，色赤属心，镇心定惊，泻热辟邪，多用令人神呆。明透者
良，研细水飞。
〔雄黄〕辛温有毒，入肝气分，杀百毒，辟鬼魅，治惊痫，又能化血为水。明彻不臭
者良。
〔石膏〕以白入肺，并清胃火，热邪在气分，口渴齿燥，引饮，非此不为功。石膏为
水药，燥热如焦釜，沃以水，气出蒸蒸然，此无汗能发之谓也。暑热烁津，则汗出不休，石
膏能寒肺气，此有汗能止之谓也。凡疟疾寒轻热甚多汗者，用之最胜。一切肺燥发热，干咳
喘急者，须同清滋之品，治之多效。白虎汤之知母、粳米，玉女煎之地黄是也。石膏能行秋
肃之令，肺胃发火者大忌。
〔滑石〕利毛窍，清湿热从小便出，暑必挟湿，得甘草良。今铺中六一散，用漂滑石
收甘草汤者佳。
〔赤石脂〕甘温酸涩，能收湿，止血固下，疗肠 泄痢，久不愈。
〔禹余粮〕甘平性涩，入胃大肠血分，能固下，治血痢血崩，研漂。
〔炉甘石〕甘温能止血消肿，收湿祛痰，退眼疾赤烂翳膜。 红童便淬七次，研漂
。
〔海浮石〕咸软坚，寒润下，色白体轻，入肺止嗽，化老痰，消瘿瘤结核，水沫结成
。
〔磁石〕咸，能引肺气入肾，通耳气，火 醋淬研漂。
〔代赭石〕苦寒，入心包肝血分，同旋复治气逆，噫气频频，虚人须加补益。
〔青礞石〕色青入肝，治顽痰癖结，（痰着礞石即化为水）滚痰丸所以用之。虚人大忌
。须拣有金心者方入药。
〔花蕊石〕入肝血分，能化瘀血为水，下死胎胞衣。大损阴血。 研水飞。
〔芒硝〕软坚，即皮硝之在上者。三承气所以用之，同大黄、枳实，推荡燥实疫邪之
要药，克削脏腑，故调胃承气即不用者，恐其诛伐无过。元明粉功用相同，霸性稍减。
〔石硫黄〕味酸有毒，大热纯阳，补命门真火。若阳气暴绝，阴毒伤寒，久患寒泻，
亦为救危上药。治老人虚闭，（半硫丸主之）用之不当，贻害匪轻。番舶者良，最难得。土硫
黄止可入疮药，臭不可服。
〔白矾〕酸咸寒，性收涩燥湿，追涎化痰，坠浊解毒杀虫。
〔地浆〕掘黄土地作坎，深三尺，入新汲水搅浊，少顷取清，用解一切鱼肉菜果药，
物诸菌毒。误食马蝗，生子腹中，用此下之。
〔伏龙肝〕（即对釜脐之土）辛温调中，去湿消肿，治久痢不愈。
〔燕窝〕养肺阴，滋脉络，骨节有声，用糯米煮粥服，即疗。肥白为佳，多痰者忌。
〔五灵脂〕甘温，生用能通血闭；炒黑治经水过多。一切瘀滞作痛，必用之药。酒漂
去砂。
〔牛黄〕同珍珠，治痰迷心窍，丹药采用至广，如至宝丹、抱龙丸、清心丸皆用之。
病在心包络之要药，霞天胶健脾补血，胆星消包络积痰。
〔阿胶〕补血清热，止血妄行，为血分要药。蛤粉炒，但真者绝少。黄明胶治疮疥血
虚，不肯结痂。
〔虎骨〕颈骨补天柱无力，膝补疲痿，能潜阳伏风，煎胶用。
〔犀角〕凉心解毒，凡一切心经蓄热必用之品。又能和阳疗鼻血衄。
〔羚羊角〕轻清肝经血热，和阳熄风，兼清肺火，平稳好药。镑用。
〔鹿角〕温经，强筋补血，治颠顶虚寒头痛。稍涉热体，服之即鼻衄便血，其性温热
可见矣。煎胶茸，力更大。
〔麝香〕麝之脐也，西产为上；川产次之，能开通十二经气闭，走窜之品，凡丹药用
之，取其开窍通气也。善败瓜果。亦能堕胎。
〔桑螵蛸〕益固肾，治梦遗白浊，缩小便，即螳螂子也。
〔蝉蜕〕其体轻清，故除风热，解肌发痘疹，退翳。治中风失音，洗用。
〔蜂蜜〕秘蜜之谓也，润肠胃，和百药，不可同葱食，杀人。黄蜡止痛生肌，凡被殴
或跌伤，见风多致不救。一方用荆芥黄蜡鱼鳔炒黄色各五钱，艾叶三片，入无灰酒一碗，重
汤煮一炷香，热饮之，汗出立愈。惟百日内，不得食鸡肉。
〔五倍子〕酸涩敛肺，咸寒降火化痰，治下血脱肛。有外感非虚脱禁用，去蛀屑。
〔僵蚕〕去齿足炒，治风痰之要药。痧痘症多用之，取其散风消痰也。日本国人有病
，僵蚕为上药，非此不治，犹唐古忒之需大黄也。
〔蟾蜍〕微毒，入胃退虚热，行湿气，治小儿劳瘦疳疾。
〔海参〕色黑补肾〉产北洋者大而刺密，沿缘石上，一擒而获，若再取之，宁败不移
。便滑者莫多食。
〔龙骨〕摄敛收涩，无过此品，故能镇心涩精敛汗，收飞越孤阳。龙齿主治相同，尤
疗惊痫， 用。
〔龟板〕咸寒，至阴之品，益肾滋阴，治真水不足，劳热骨蒸，腰脚酸痛之症。肾虚
无热勿用。去墙酒炙捣。
〔牡蛎〕生能补肝滋肾，敛精止汗。凡应表之症，用龙牡贻害非细。
〔石决明〕咸凉，除肺肝风热，疗目疾内外障。亦治骨蒸劳热。 研。
〔珍珠〕固心消热痰，清神明，治惊痫。所以至宝丹用之。
〔淡菜〕味咸，补阴潜阳，凡虚火易升者宜之。
〔人中黄〕甘草为末，入竹筒中，沥青封固，腊月浸于厕中，交春取出漂清，破竹悬
风处阴干，解血分毒。
〔人中白〕多年溺器中如苔而浓者，漂清 用，解血分毒，喉科要药。
〔金汁〕入地愈久愈佳，莹白者入药，清血分热毒。大寒之品，无火者切忌。
〔童便〕止热血妄行，为吐血产后之良药。患吐血自服溲溺，百不一死，皆能从其类
而治之也。秋石咸滋肾水，阴虚火升者宜。
〔人乳〕补血上品。上为乳汁，下为月水，本属血化，胃阴受戕，纳食即吐，同糯米
饮缓缓服之，便能受物。
[Pine Seed] (Songzi) Moistens the intestines and promotes bowel movement, opens the stomach and benefits digestion, nourishes the skin, disperses wind and relieves cough, and treats deficiency-type constipation.
[Areca Nut] (Binglang) The variety that is pointed and long like a chicken heart is bitter, pungent, and warm in nature. It can break stagnation and disperse pathogens, drain the qi rising to the highest part of the chest to make it descend, attack hardness and remove accumulations, digest food and promote qi circulation to resolve phlegm, drive out water and kill parasites, and cause all types of qi to descend to the lowest extreme. It should be avoided by those with qi deficiency and sinking. Although it can ward off miasma, it consumes true qi; excessive consumption shortens life. The variety with flower patterns can only be used to move qi and digest food. (For pubic lice, wash with decoction.)
[Areca Peel] (Dafupi) Pungent and warm; drains the lungs and moves the spleen, broadens the chest and promotes urination; it is the premier herb for treating various abdominal swellings. Because poisonous birds (Zhen birds) often perch on its tree, it must be soaked before use.
[Sichuan Pepper] (Chuanjiao) Hot and toxic; enters the Lung channel, induces sweating and dispels cold; enters the Spleen channel, warms the stomach and dries dampness. Treats cold pain in the heart and abdomen, and edema due to Kidney cold. Strictly contraindicated for those with yin deficiency and hyperactive fire. Lightly stir-fry to remove volatile oils. Jiaomu (Pepper seeds) are bitter and pungent; they promote water metabolism to eliminate hydrops, relieve distension and calm wheezing. Qinjiao (commonly known as Huajiao) has the same main indications as Chuanjiao.
[Black Pepper] (Hujiao) Pungent, very hot and toxic; warms the middle and directs rebellious qi downward, unblocks the diaphragm and resolves phlegm. Treats cold-phlegm and cold-dysentery, and Yin-toxin abdominal pain. Black Pepper moves qi and aids fire, damaging the Lungs the most. Do not indulge in it just because it unblocks the diaphragm.
[Evodia Fruit] (Wuzhuyu) Bitter and pungent, very hot, slightly toxic; soothes the Liver and dries the Spleen, warms the middle and directs rebellious qi downward, removes dampness and resolves depression. Treats Jueyin abdominal pain, vomiting and acid regurgitation. It excels at descending turbid yin that rebels upward and unblocking Qi stagnation in the Large Intestine. Do not use if the condition is not caused by cold stagnation with dampness. Soak in boiling water to remove pungency; stir-fry with Coptis decoction to stop vomiting; stir-fry with vinegar to treat blood disorders.
[Tea] (Cha) Sweet and bitter, slightly cool; clears the head and eyes from above, awakens from drowsiness, digests greasy food, and resolves meat toxicity.
[Melon Tip] (Gua Di) Bitter and cold; can induce vomiting to expel Wind-Heat of the Yangming channel, phlegm-saliva, and retained food in the upper diaphragm. (Gua Di San mixed with Dan Chi and Red Adzuki Bean into powder, taken with boiled water to induce vomiting.)
[Watermelon] (Xigua) Sweet and cold; resolves summerheat toxicity, relieves irritability and clears heat. Xi Gui (Watermelon rind) enters the Pericardium channel, reduces fever and cools the Heart; it is a good product for clearing summerheat.
[Sugarcane Juice] (Zheshuang) Sweet and slightly cool; harmonizes the middle and moistens dryness. Treats vomiting, hiccup, dysphagia, and regurgitation (take with Ginger juice). For dry stool constipation, prepare vessels to press the juice.
[Lotus Seed] (Lianzi) Resembles the Heart; calms the Spirit and benefits the Spleen. Decocted with Longan Aril, long-term consumption greatly benefits the Heart and Spleen. For severe dysentery, this regulates treatment without harm, which is why Li Dongyuan first used it for his elderly mother's dysentery. Remove the plumule and stir-fry; Lian Xu (Lotus stamen) astringes essence and stabilizes pregnancy.
[Stone Lotus Seed] (Shi Lianzi) Bitter and cold; clears the Heart and relieves irritability, removes damp-heat. Specifically treats anorexic dysentery.
[Lotus Root] (Ou) Sweet and cold; cools blood and dissipates stasis. Ou Jie (Lotus root node) has the same function.
[Lotus Leaf] (Heye) Green color and facing upward, resembling the Zhen trigram; raises and generates Yang Qi. Very effective as a guiding herb for Liver channel diseases.
[Euryale Seed] (Qianshi) Supports the Spleen and benefits the Kidney; nature is astringent. Suitable for those with seminal emission.
[Chinese Leek] (Jiu) Pungent and warm; tonifies the Kidney, warms the waist and knees, dissipates blood stasis. Treats dysphagia and regurgitation. Excessive consumption causes mental confusion and dim vision; avoid honey. Jiuzi (Leek seed) is pungent and warm; tonifies the Kidney and assists Mingmen fire, hence used in Wuzi Yanzong Wan. Steam, sun-dry, stir-fry, and grind.
[Scallion White] (Congbai) Pungent and dispersing; induces sweating and releases the muscle layer, unblocks Yang Qi. Excessive consumption causes mental confusion. Qingcong Guan (Green scallion tube) combined with Honghua and Xingren can enter the collaterals to treat rib pain.
[Allium Macrostemon Bulb] (Xiebai) Pungent, warm, and slippery; directs qi downward and harmonizes the middle. Treats chest bi with stabbing pain and lung asthma with rapid breathing. Slippery products should not be used without stagnation.
[Garlic] (Dasuan) Pungent, hot, and toxic; opens the stomach and strengthens the Spleen, digests food and removes cold stagnation, promotes urination, and reduces edema. Its aroma penetrates tendons and marrow, functioning similarly to Musk. Generates phlegm and aids fire, scatters qi and consumes blood, confuses the spirit and damages the eyes. Those with deficiency-heat must not touch it. Single-clove garlic sliced and moxibusted is excellent for treating all carbuncles and malignant sores.
[White Mustard Seed] (Baijiezi) Pungent and warm, enters the Lung channel; induces sweating and dispels cold, resolves phlegm in the subcutaneous tissue and fascia, reduces swelling and relieves pain. Jiecai (Mustard vegetable) is pungent and hot; excessive consumption dims vision and causes sores.
[Radish Seed] (Laifuzi) Pungent and warm; excels at promoting qi circulation. Raw use resolves Wind-Phlegm and disperses Wind-Cold; cooked use settles phlegm and cough, digests food and removes distension. Avoid in Lung deficiency. Radish raw promotes qi ascent; cooked promotes qi descent. Counteracts dough toxicity.
[Fresh Ginger] (Shengjiang) Pungent and warm; moves Yang aspects, dispels cold and releases the exterior, vents the Lungs and resolves depression, harmonizes the Stomach and stops vomiting. Jiangpi (Ginger peel) is pungent and cool; moves water, hence used in Wupi Yin. Wei Jiang (Baked ginger) used with Dazao moves Stomach-Spleen fluids and harmonizes Ying and Wei Qi.
[Dried Ginger] (Ganjiang) Pungent and hot; warms meridians and dispels cold pathogens. Essential for pain caused by exogenous cold invading the Stomach, or turbid yin rebelling upward in the Jueyin channel. Combined with Wuweizi to treat cold cough, unblocks joints, vents collaterals; widely used.
[Burnt Ginger] (Paojiang) Pungent and bitter, very hot; generates Yang and retreats Yin. Suitable for hematemesis, epistaxis, and lower bleeding where there is Yin but no Yang. Also guides blood-invigorating herbs into the Qi level, hence included in Siwu Tang. Suitable for blood deficiency with fever and high fever postpartum. It is Ganjiang charred black. Contraindicated for yin deficiency with fire. Especially contraindicated in pregnancy.
[Anise] (Da Huixiang) Produced in Ningxia; pungent and warm; warms the Dantian, tonifies Mingmen, treats cold Qi in the Small Intestine and hernia with scrotal swelling. (The seven types of hernia all belong to the Liver.) Xiao Huixiang (Fennel) is pungent and neutral; regulates Qi, enters the Kidney to treat lower back pain, enters the Liver to treat abdominal pain, and treats Yin hernia.
[Spinach] (Bo Cai) Take the straight root of old spinach; best for treating difficulty in defecation in the elderly. Must be combined with herbs that tonify Qi and nourish Blood.
[Dandelion] (Pugongying) Bitter and sweet, cold; transforms heat toxicity, reduces swelling and nodules. The sacred herb for treating breast abscess and milk accumulation.
[Yam] (Shanyao) Cultivates the Spleen and benefits the Kidney, strengthens bones and joints. Used to bind all tonifying herbs that cannot form pills.
[Lily Bulb] (Baihe) Resembles the Lung; a herb that protects the Lung, as seen in Baihe Gujin Tang. If the Lung house has pathogens, there is no time to vent them, how could astringing be harmless?
[Wax Gourd Seed] (Dongguazi) Indispensable for lung distension with asthma and rapid breathing. Also reduces edema, due to its ability to benefit Lung Qi.
[Sesame] (Huma) Moistens the intestines and stomach, benefits the five Zang organs. Contraindicated for those with loose stools.
[Hemp Seed] (Dama Ren) Treats Yangming dryness-heat causing difficult defecation; moves freely without staying. Contraindicated for loose bowels.
[Wheat] (Xiaomai) Cools the Heart and stops sweating; treats night sweats. Use floating wheat, stir-fried.
[Malt] (Maiya) Strengthens the Stomach and quickens the Spleen, eliminates stagnation, transforms all rice and noodle food accumulations. Excels at promoting lactation. Can abort fetus; use stir-fried.
[Glutinous Rice] (Nuomi) Harmonizes the Stomach, nurtures Yin and generates fluids. Nuomi Yin taken with human milk treats drug-induced stomach injury where food is vomited immediately upon ingestion; efficacy is miraculous. Ancients said the poor have no tonics, using glutinous rice as a tonic. Indeed. When using Maidong, stir-fry with Jingmi to nourish the Lung without harming the Spleen. Jiji (commonly known as Pearl Millet) must never be eaten by children; it is hard and difficult to digest, causes distension and blocks the Stomach; I have seen cases resulting in death. Elders should prohibit it in advance.
[Coix Seed] (Yiren) Sweet, benefits the Stomach, bland and leaches out dampness. Treats edema and diarrhea by tonifying the Spleen; use stir-fried. Promotes urination when raw. Its action is slow; dosage must be double that of other herbs.
[Poppy Shell] (Yingsu Qiao) Sour and astringent; astringes the Lung and secures the Intestines. Treats chronic cough, dysentery, and rectal prolapse. Over-astringency retains pathogens; thus, one must ensure pathogens are completely cleared before use. Otherwise, even small amounts are strictly contraindicated.
[Red Adzuki Bean] (Chixiaodou) Fine and dark-colored ones are used medicinally. Unblocks the Small Intestine, moves water and dissipates blood, reduces swelling, detoxifies, and discharges pus. Crushed with Furong Hua and applied to all sores and carbuncles yields rapid results. For pustules requiring drainage, soak rotten beans in water, crush, and apply. Applying to inverted acne scars also has miraculous effects.
[Mung Bean] (Lv Dou) Sweet and cold; clears heat toxicity in the twelve channels and relieves thirst. Lv Dou Pi (Mung bean skin) treats skin heat and scrofula. The flesh obstructs Qi and slows down drug efficacy. Roasted Fava beans solidify the Large Intestine.
[Hyacinth Bean] (Biandou) Raw clears summerheat; stir-fried clears and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. After illness, roasted consumption strongly obstructs Qi. Peel and boil until mushy; consume sparingly.
[Fermented Soybean] (Dan Dou Chi) Bitter and draining to the Lung, cold overcomes heat, induces sweating and releases the muscle layer. Combined with Zhizi treats restlessness and insomnia; combined with Ziye treats cold-month common cold; combined with Bohe and Xingren treats summerwind body heat. Contraindicated without exterior pathogen.
[Medicated Leaven] (Shen Qu) Harmonizes the middle and Stomach, treats rebellious phlegm, eliminates stagnation. Combined with Xiangfu and Hei Shanzhi opens depressed Qi. Method of preparation: 100 jin of Bai Qu, 3 sheng each of natural juices from Qinghao, Cang'er, and Ye Liao, 3 sheng each of Xingren paste and Chixiaodou powder. Mix with the Six Spirits, form cakes, wrap in Chu Ye, wait for yellow mold to grow, sun-dry and stir-fry.
[Rice Sprout] (Guya) Quickens the Spleen and opens the Stomach, directs qi downward and harmonizes the middle, digests food and transforms stagnation. Raw use promotes transformation more; stir-fried use promotes guidance more. Sweet in taste and mild in nature; a fine herb for strengthening the Spleen.
[Maltose] (Yitang) (Also called Xing) Mild, moistens the Lung and stops cough. Contraindicated for those with phlegm-fire. Used in Jianzhong Tang for its sweet,緩 (gentle), and mild properties.
[Liquor] (Jiu) Warm and hot in nature. Sweet liquor fills the middle; bland liquor promotes urination. Used as a guide, it can circulate through the entire exterior of the body and guide drugs to the highest parts. Hot drinks damage the Lung; cold drinks damage the Stomach. Moderate drinking harmonizes blood and strengthens the Spirit, wards off cold and evil; excessive drinking confuses the Spirit, consumes blood, damages the Stomach, generates damp-phlegm, aids lustful fire, and causes hundreds of diseases. Wine without ash is used medicinally; distilled liquor is even more drying and acrid; do not drink excessively. Gegua and Lv Dou can resolve alcohol toxicity.
[Gold Foil] (Jinbo) Pungent and neutral, toxic; calms the Heart and Liver, anchors the Soul, treats epilepsy, Wind-Heat, and Liver-Gallbladder diseases.
[White Quartz] (Baishiying) Sweet and pungent, slightly warm and moistening/drying. Treats lung萎 (flaccidity) with pus expectoration, cough and rebellious Qi. Zi Shiying (Purple Quartz) has the same nature and flavor; calms the Spirit, warms the Uterus. Suitable for women with empty-cold in the Blood Sea causing infertility. Calcine in fire, quench in vinegar, grind to powder, and levigate with water.
[Cinnabar] (Zhusha) Sweet and cool, body Yang and nature Yin, red color belongs to the Heart. Calms the Heart and settles fright, drains heat and repels evil. Excessive use makes the spirit dull. Transparent and bright ones are good; grind fine and levigate with water.
[Realgar] (Xionghuang) Pungent and warm, toxic; enters the Qi level of the Liver, kills hundred toxins, repels ghosts and demons, treats epilepsy, and can transform blood into water. Clear and odorless ones are good.
[Gypsum] (Shigao) White enters the Lung, also clears Stomach fire. For heat pathogens in the Qi level with thirst, dry teeth, and desire to drink, nothing else works. Shigao acts like water; when poured on dry heat like a scorched cauldron, steam rises vigorously. This means it can induce sweating when absent. When summerheat burns fluids causing continuous sweating, Shigao cools Lung Qi, meaning it can stop sweating when present. Most effective for malaria with mild chills, severe heat, and profuse sweating. For all Lung dryness with fever, dry cough, and asthma, combine with moistening and cooling products; many effective treatments exist. Zhimu and Jingmi in Baihu Tang, Dihuang in Yunu Jian are examples. Shigao executes the command of Autumn's austerity; strictly contraindicated for Fire flaring in the Lung and Stomach.
[Talc] (Huashi) Benefits hair follicles, clears damp-heat via urination. Summerheat must carry dampness; combining with Gancao is excellent. In modern pharmacies, Liuyi San using floated Huashi to absorb Gancao decoction is superior.
[Red Halloysite] (Chishizhi) Sweet, warm, sour, and astringent; absorbs dampness, stops bleeding and secures the lower Jiao. Treats intestinal leakage and dysentery that does not heal for a long time.
[Yu Yuliang] (Yuyuliang) Sweet and neutral, astringent nature; enters the Blood level of the Stomach and Large Intestine, secures the lower Jiao, treats bloody dysentery and metrorrhagia. Grind and float.
[Calamine] (Luganshi) Sweet and warm; stops bleeding and reduces swelling, absorbs dampness and resolves phlegm, treats eye diseases like red rot and nebula. Quench seven times in red child urine, grind and float.
[Sea Pumice] (Haifushi) Salty and softening, cold and descending. White color and light body; enters the Lung to stop cough, transforms old phlegm, eliminates goiter and tubercles formed from sea foam.
[Magnetite] (Cishi) Salty; guides Lung Qi into the Kidney, unblocks ear Qi. Calcine in fire, quench in vinegar, grind and float.
[Hematite] (Daizheshi) Bitter and cold; enters the Pericardium and Liver Blood levels. Combined with Xuanfuhua treats rebellious Qi and frequent belching. Deficient patients need added tonification.
[Blue Malachite] (Qingmengshi) Green color enters the Liver; treats stubborn phlegm and masses. (Phlegm touching Mengshi turns to water); hence used in Tanchun Wan. Strictly contraindicated for deficient patients. Must select those with a gold center for medicinal use.
[Flower Porphyry] (Huaruishi) Enters the Liver Blood level; transforms blood stasis into water, expels dead fetus and placenta. Greatly damages Yin blood. Grind and levigate with water.
[Niter] (Mangxiao) Softens hardness; refers to the upper layer of skin niter. Hence used in the Three Chengqi formulas. Combined with Dahuang and Zhishi, it is a key herb for pushing out dryness, excess, and epidemic pathogens, attacking the Zang-Fu. Thus, Weitui Chengqi does not use it, fearing punishment of the innocent. Yuanming Fen has similar functions but slightly less aggressive nature.
[Native Sulfur] (Shi Liuhuang) Acidic, toxic, very hot and pure Yang; tonifies the True Fire of Mingmen. If Yang Qi suddenly collapses, Yin-toxin Cold Damage, or chronic cold diarrhea, it is also a top emergency medicine. Treats elderly deficiency constipation (Ban Liu Wan is primary). Improper use causes significant harm. Imported ships' sulfur is good and rare. Native sulfur can only be used in external sores; smelly and unfit for internal use.
[Alum] (Baifan) Acidic, salty, and cold; astringent and drying nature, pursues saliva and resolves phlegm, sinks turbidity, detoxifies, and kills parasites.
[Earth Slurry] (Dijiang) Dig a pit in yellow earth, three chi deep, add fresh water, stir until muddy, let settle briefly, take the clear liquid. Used to resolve toxicity from all meats, vegetables, fruits, drugs, and fungi. If leeches are accidentally ingested and larvae develop in the abdomen, use this to expel them.
[Dragon's Liver Earth] (Fulonggan) (Earth opposite the furnace belly) Pungent and warm; harmonizes the middle, removes dampness and reduces swelling. Treats chronic dysentery that does not heal.
[Swallow's Nest] (Yanwo) Nourishes Lung Yin, moistens collaterals. For cracking joints, cook with glutinous rice porridge and take; it cures. Fat and white ones are best; avoid for those with much phlegm.
[Five Spirits Latex] (Wulingzhi) Sweet and warm; raw use unblocks blood closure; charred black treats excessive menstruation. Essential herb for all pain due to stagnation. Float in wine to remove sand.
[Calculus Bovis] (Niuhuang) Combined with Zhenzhu, treats Phlegm confusing the Heart orifices. Widely used in elixirs such as Zhibao Dan, Baolong Wan, and Qingxin Wan. Key herb for diseases in the Pericardium channel. Xiatiang Jiao strengthens the Spleen and tonifies Blood; Dansing resolves accumulated phlegm in the Pericardium.
[Donkey-Hide Gelatin] (Ejiao) Tonifies Blood and clears heat, stops abnormal bleeding. Key herb for the Blood level. Stir-fry with Ge Fen, but genuine ones are extremely rare. Huangming Jiao treats sores, scabies, and blood deficiency where scabs refuse to form.
[Tiger Bone] (Hugu) Neck bone supplements Tianzhu weakness; knee bone supplements fatigue and flaccidity. Can subdue Yang and anchor Wind. Decoct to make gelatin.
[Rhinoceros Horn] (Xijiao) Cools the Heart and detoxifies. Essential for all Heat accumulation in the Heart channel. Also harmonizes Yang and treats epistaxis.
[Antelope Horn] (Lingyangjiao) Light and clear; clears Blood-Heat in the Liver channel, harmonizes Yang and extinguishes Wind, also clears Lung Fire. A stable and good herb. Slice thinly.
[Deer Antler] (Lujiao) Warms meridians, strengthens sinews, tonifies Blood. Treats deficiency-cold headache at the vertex. If slightly involving heat constitution, taking it causes immediate epistaxis and hematochezia, showing its warm and hot nature. Decocting antler velvet has greater power.
[Musk] (Shexiang) The umbilicus of the musk deer; Western production is best, Sichuan is secondary. Can open Qi blockage in the twelve channels. A penetrating herb; used in all elixirs for its ability to open orifices and ventilate Qi. Spoils fruits and vegetables. Can also abort fetus.
[Mantis Egg Case] (Sangpiaoxiao) Benefits and secures the Kidney, treats nocturnal emission and leukorrhea, reduces urination frequency. It is the mantis egg case.
[Cicada Slough] (Chantui) Its body is light and clear, thus dispels Wind-Heat, releases the muscle layer to erupt measles, and removes nebula. Treats stroke aphasia; wash and use.
[Honey] (Fengmi) Refers to secreted honey. Moistens intestines and stomach, harmonizes hundred drugs. Cannot be eaten with Scallion; causes death. Huangla (Yellow wax) stops pain and generates flesh. For beating or fall injuries, exposure to wind often leads to untreatable conditions. One formula uses Jingjie, Huangla, and Yubiao (sturgeon swim bladder) stir-fried yellow, each 5 qian, plus 3 pieces of Aiye, in 1 bowl of wine without ash. Simmer in double boiler for one incense stick duration, drink hot; sweating occurs and recovery is immediate. Only within 100 days, do not eat chicken meat.
[Chinese Gall] (Wubeizi) Sour and astringent, astringes the Lung; salty and cold, descends fire and resolves phlegm. Treats lower bleeding and rectal prolapse. Contraindicated for exterior pathogens and non-deficiency collapse. Remove worm-eaten debris.
[Bombyx Batryticatus] (Jiangcan) Remove teeth and feet, stir-fry. Key herb for Wind-Phlegm. Often used for pox and measles to disperse Wind and resolve phlegm. Japanese people consider it a top medicine for certain diseases, indispensable, just as Tibet needs Rhubarb.
[Toad] (Chantu) Slightly toxic; enters the Stomach to reduce deficiency-heat, moves dampness. Treats pediatric wasting syndrome and malnutrition.
[Sea Cucumber] (Haishen) Black color tonifies the Kidney. Those from North Ocean are large with dense spines, clinging to rocks; once caught, if taken again, they prefer to decay rather than move. Those with loose stools should not eat much.
[Dinosaur Bone] (Longgu) Collecting,收敛 (astringing), and sealing; none surpass this product. Thus, it calms the Heart, astringes essence, stops sweating, and gathers flying solitary Yang. Longchi (Dragon teeth) has the same main indications, especially treating epilepsy. Calcine and use.
[Turtle Plastron] (Guiban) Salty and cold, extreme Yin product; benefits the Kidney and nourishes Yin. Treats insufficient True Water, labor-fever and bone-steaming, soreness and pain in waist and legs. Do not use for Kidney deficiency without heat. Remove wall residue, roast with wine, and crush.
[Oyster Shell] (Muli) Raw tonifies the Liver and nourishes the Kidney, astringes essence and stops sweating. For symptoms requiring exterior release, using Longgu and Muli causes significant harm.
[Abalone Shell] (Shijueming) Salty and cool; clears Wind-Heat of the Lung and Liver, treats internal and external eye obstructions. Also treats bone-steaming labor-fever. Grind.
[Pearl] (Zhenzhu) Secures the Heart, resolves heat-phlegm, clears the Mind and Spirit, treats epilepsy. Hence used in Zhibao Dan.
[Dried Mussel] (Dancai) Salty flavor; tonifies Yin and subdues Yang. Suitable for those with easy-rising deficiency fire.
[Human Middle Yellow] (Renzhonghuang) Powdered Gancao put into bamboo tubes, sealed with asphalt, immersed in latrines in the twelfth lunar month. Retrieve in spring, float clean, break bamboo, hang in windy place to dry in shade. Resolves Blood-level toxicity.
[Human Middle White] (Renzhongbai) Thick, moss-like substance from years-old urinals. Float clean and use. Resolves Blood-level toxicity; key herb for throat department.
[Golden Juice] (Jinzhi) Better the longer it stays in the ground. Bright white ones are used medicinally. Clears Blood-level heat toxicity. Extreme cold product; strictly contraindicated for those without fire.
[Child Urine] (Tongbian) Stops reckless flow of hot blood; excellent medicine for hematemesis and postpartum conditions. Patients with hematemesis who self-administer urine rarely die; all treat according to their kind. Qiushi (Processed Human Urine) is salty and nourishes Kidney Water; suitable for yin deficiency with rising fire.
[Human Milk] (Renru) Top-grade blood tonic. Upper becomes milk, lower becomes menstrual blood; originally transformed from blood. If Stomach Yin is damaged and food is vomited upon ingestion, slowly take with Nuomi Yin to accept food.